Record 144 guns caught at Atlanta airport security checkpoints in 2015

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Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

A record 144 guns were caught at security checkpoints at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in 2015, putting Atlanta in the No. 2 spot nationwide.

Although the number of firearms found last year was the most on record for Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth International took the title for the most guns caught for the year, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

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Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

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Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

A total of 153 guns were found at Dallas/Fort Worth airport security checkpoints in 2015.

Across the country, a total of 2,653 guns were discovered in carry-on bags -- an average of seven per day. The number has risen every year since 2007.

Of the firearms found, about 83 percent are loaded, according to TSA.

INTERACTIVE MAP: Which U.S. airports caught the most guns in 2015?

Nov. 23, 2015 - Atlanta - Airport employees make their way through security in a timed test to show how possession of prohibited items delays the line. TSA personnel demonstrated how they respond to prohibited items at security checkpoints in a session for the press using airport employees playing the part of passengers. The Transportation Security Administration is advising travelers to keep prohibited items out of their bags to keep security lines moving. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, more than 130 people have been caught with guns at airport security checkpoints so far this year. Whenever a gun, explosive or other dangerous weapons are caught at checkpoints, TSA officers halt security screening in the lane and call Atlanta police to respond to the checkpoint. BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

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Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

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Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

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Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi